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Q1. Who is considered the father of Pragmatism in philosophy?

a) John Dewey

b) William James

c) Charles S. Peirce

d) Francis Bacon

Answer: c) Charles S. Peirce

Explanation: Peirce first used the term “Pragmatism”; later developed by William James and John Dewey in education.

Q2. Pragmatism emphasizes:

a) Eternal truths

b) Practical consequences

c) Ideal forms

d) Predetermined goals

Answer: b) Practical consequences

Explanation: Pragmatism defines truth in terms of its practical utility and consequences.

Q3. According to Pragmatism, truth is:

a) Absolute and eternal

b) God-given

c) What works in practice

d) Based on authority

Answer: c) What works in practice

Explanation: Pragmatists believe truth is dynamic and validated through experiences.

Q4. Which branch of philosophy is closest to Pragmatism?

a) Realism

b) Naturalism

c) Instrumentalism

d) Idealism

Answer: c) Instrumentalism

Explanation: Dewey’s philosophy of education is also called Instrumentalism.

Q5. The central aim of education in Pragmatism is:

a) Attainment of divine truth

b) Self-realization

c) Social efficiency and growth

d) Memorization of facts

Answer: c) Social efficiency and growth

Explanation: Pragmatism sees education as preparation for life through active participation.

Q6. Education, according to John Dewey, is:

a) Preparation for future life

b) Training for a job

c) Continuous reconstruction of experience

d) A pursuit of metaphysical knowledge

Answer: c) Continuous reconstruction of experience

Explanation: Dewey believed education is a lifelong process of growth through experience.

Q7. Pragmatism gives more importance to:

a) Teacher’s authority

b) Child’s activity

c) Fixed curriculum

d) Religious dogma

Answer: b) Child’s activity

Explanation: Pragmatism emphasizes activity-based, child-centered education.

Q8. The curriculum under Pragmatism should be:

a) Fixed and rigid

b) Activity-centered and flexible

c) Religious and moral-based

d) Classical and linguistic

Answer: b) Activity-centered and flexible

Explanation: Curriculum is based on needs, experiences, and interests of the child.

Q9. Pragmatists prefer a curriculum that is:

a) Subject-centered

b) Life-centered

c) Teacher-centered

d) Textbook-centered

Answer: b) Life-centered

Explanation: Curriculum should be connected with real-life experiences of learners.

Q10. Which of the following subjects is most emphasized in Pragmatism?

a) Theology

b) Abstract philosophy

c) Science and Social Studies

d) Ancient languages

Answer: c) Science and Social Studies

Explanation: These provide real-life and experimental learning opportunities.

Q11. The teaching method most suitable for Pragmatism is:

a) Lecture method

b) Project method

c) Memorization

d) Dictation

Answer: b) Project method

Explanation: Developed by Kilpatrick under Dewey’s influence; emphasizes learning by doing.

Q12. Pragmatism emphasizes learning through:

a) Dogma

b) Activity and experience

c) Authority of teacher

d) Rote memorization

Answer: b) Activity and experience

Explanation: Real knowledge is acquired by active participation.

Q13. Which approach in teaching is directly associated with Pragmatism?

a) Socratic questioning

b) Montessori method

c) Problem-solving approach

d) Scholastic disputation

Answer: c) Problem-solving approach

Explanation: Pragmatism values inquiry and solving real-life problems.

Q14. Pragmatists view discipline as:

a) Strict control by teacher

b) Punishment-based

c) Self-discipline developed through activities

d) Blind obedience
Answer: c) Self-discipline developed through activities

Explanation: Discipline comes naturally through cooperative activities and responsibility.

Q15. Pragmatism advocates discipline through:

a) Fear of authority

b) Cooperation and social participation

c) Memorization of rules

d) External control

Answer: b) Cooperation and social participation

Explanation: Group activities develop self-control and social responsibility.

Q16. In Pragmatism, the teacher is seen as:

a) Authority figure

b) Guide and facilitator

c) Source of divine knowledge

d) Examiner only

Answer: b) Guide and facilitator

Explanation: Teacher facilitates activities, guiding students in problem-solving.

Q17. Teacher’s role in a Pragmatic classroom is primarily to:

a) Dictate knowledge

b) Impose discipline

c) Create situations for learning

d) Evaluate rote learning

Answer: c) Create situations for learning

Explanation: Teacher organizes experiences where learning occurs naturally.

Q18. Pragmatism emphasizes education for:

a) Individual salvation

b) Social progress and democracy

c) Religious duties

d) Hierarchical order

Answer: b) Social progress and democracy

Explanation: Dewey stressed education as the foundation of democratic life.

Q19. Which of the following values is most emphasized in Pragmatist education?

a) Obedience

b) Flexibility and adaptability

c) Blind faith

d) Conformity

Answer: b) Flexibility and adaptability

Explanation: Pragmatism values adaptability in ever-changing situations.

Q20. Who introduced the ‘Project Method’ in Pragmatist education?

a) John Dewey

b) William James

c) W.H. Kilpatrick

d) Rousseau

Answer: c) W.H. Kilpatrick

Explanation: Kilpatrick developed the Project Method under Dewey’s philosophy.

Q21. Which philosopher said, “Education is life, not preparation for life”?

a) Rousseau

b) John Dewey

c) William James

d) Bertrand Russell

Answer: b) John Dewey

Explanation: Dewey emphasized education as a continuous process of living.

Q22. William James contributed to Pragmatism through his theory of:

a) Radical Empiricism and Will to Believe

b) Ideas of pure reason

c) Forms of reality

d) Social reconstruction

Answer: a) Radical Empiricism and Will to Believe

Explanation: James made Pragmatism popular in America.

Q23. The pragmatic method of teaching is most closely related to which psychological theory of learning?

a) Classical conditioning

b) Operant conditioning

c) Trial and error / Problem-solving

d) Gestalt theory

Answer: c) Trial and error / Problem-solving

Explanation: Pragmatism stresses solving problems through trial, error, and reflection.

Q24. Which learning activity best reflects the Pragmatist approach?

a) Learning multiplication tables by heart

b) Students conducting a community survey

c) Listening silently to a teacher’s lecture

d) Writing dictation repeatedly

Answer: b) Students conducting a community survey

Explanation: It connects school with life through active participation.

Q25. Pragmatism rejects:

a) Experiential learning

b) Scientific method

c) Fixed absolute truths

d) Child-centered education

Answer: c) Fixed absolute truths

Explanation: Pragmatism sees truth as changing with time and context.

Q26. A criticism of Pragmatism in education is:

a) It is too rigid

b) It neglects the cultural heritage

c) It overemphasizes theory

d) It ignores social life

Answer: b) It neglects the cultural heritage

Explanation: Critics argue it focuses too much on the present and future, neglecting tradition.

Q27. Another weakness of Pragmatist education is:

a) Too much emphasis on discipline

b) Overemphasis on individual experience

c) Too much stress on religious instruction

d) Lack of democratic values

Answer: b) Overemphasis on individual experience

Explanation: Some say Pragmatism may undermine universal values.

Q28. Pragmatism sees knowledge as:

a) Static

b) Dynamic and evolving

c) Revealed by divine sources

d) Absolute

Answer: b) Dynamic and evolving

Explanation: Knowledge grows with experiences and is always open to revision.

Q29. Which maxim of teaching aligns with Pragmatism?

a) From abstract to concrete

b) From theory to practice

c) Learning by doing

d) From whole to part

Answer: c) Learning by doing

Explanation: This is the central principle of Pragmatist education.

Q30. Pragmatism in education can be best summarized as:

a) Education for memory

b) Education for conformity

c) Education for life and experience

d) Education for metaphysics

Answer: c) Education for life and experience

Explanation: It stresses preparation for practical life through experience.

Q31. In Pragmatic education, evaluation should be based on:

a) Written examinations only

b) Teacher’s personal opinion

c) Child’s growth and problem-solving ability

d) Memory-based recitation

Answer: c) Child’s growth and problem-solving ability

Explanation: Continuous and activity-based assessment is preferred.

Q32. Which democratic ideal is most strongly supported by Pragmatism?

a) Authority of the state

b) Freedom and cooperation

c) Centralized control

d) Caste and class hierarchy

Answer: b) Freedom and cooperation

Explanation: Dewey emphasized democracy in education.

Q33. For a Pragmatist, knowledge is tested by:

a) Its eternal truth

b) Its practical consequences

c) Its conformity to scripture

d) Its historical value

Answer: b) Its practical consequences

Explanation: Truth is validated in terms of utility.

Q34. In a Pragmatist classroom, the main focus is on:

a) Teacher’s lecture

b) Passive listening

c) Student’s active participation

d) Memorization of facts

Answer: c) Student’s active participation

Explanation: Students learn best by doing.

Q35. Pragmatism as a philosophy of education originated in:

a) France

b) Germany

c) United States of America

d) England

Answer: c) United States of America

Explanation: Pragmatism is an American contribution to philosophy and education.

Q36. Who is regarded as the father of Pragmatism?

a) Immanuel Kant

b) John Dewey

c) Jean-Jacques Rousseau

d) Plato

Answer: b) John Dewey

Explanation: John Dewey developed Pragmatism as a philosophy of education, focusing on experience and experimentation.

Q37. Pragmatism belongs to which category of philosophy?

a) Metaphysical Idealism

b) Realism

c) Humanistic and Experimental Philosophy

d) Rationalism

Answer: c) Humanistic and Experimental Philosophy

Explanation: Pragmatism emphasizes human experience, practicality, and experimentation.

Q38. The central principle of Pragmatism is:

a) Knowledge is eternal

b) Truth is absolute

c) Truth is what works in practice

d) Reality is ideal

Answer: c) Truth is what works in practice

Explanation: Pragmatism defines truth as that which proves useful and workable in real life situations.

Q39. Pragmatism is also known as:

a) Experimentalism

b) Naturalism

c) Existentialism

d) Structuralism

Answer: a) Experimentalism

Explanation: Pragmatism stresses experimentation, learning by doing, and trial-and-error methods.

Q40. Which philosopher said, “Truth is what works”?

a) William James

b) Dewey

c) Charles Peirce

d) Bacon

Answer: a) William James

Explanation: William James emphasized the practical nature of truth in Pragmatism.

Q41. According to Pragmatism, the aim of education is:

a) Realization of absolute truth

b) Preparation for future life

c) Growth and adaptation to environment

d) Attainment of salvation

Answer: c) Growth and adaptation to environment

Explanation: Pragmatists focus on continuous adjustment and growth through experience.

Q42. Pragmatists reject fixed aims of education because:

a) They believe life is changing

b) Education must prepare only for jobs

c) Education is only for moral training

d) Knowledge is unimportant

Answer: a) They believe life is changing

Explanation: Aims should be flexible and adjustable to changing conditions.

Q43. The pragmatic aim of education is most closely associated with:

a) Social efficiency

b) Self-realization

c) Eternal values

d) Discipline and obedience

Answer: a) Social efficiency

Explanation: Pragmatism stresses preparing children to function effectively in a democratic society.

Q44. Pragmatism recommends curriculum based on:

a) Ancient scriptures

b) Child’s needs and activities

c) Teacher’s authority

d) Religious values

Answer: b) Child’s needs and activities

Explanation: The curriculum must grow out of the child’s experience and interests.

Q45. Pragmatists favor:

a) Subject-centered curriculum

b) Activity-centered curriculum

c) Teacher-dictated curriculum

d) Fixed curriculum

Answer: b) Activity-centered curriculum

Explanation: Activity and experience are central to Pragmatist education.

Q46. In Pragmatist curriculum, emphasis is placed on:

a) Theoretical knowledge

b) Practical activities and problem-solving

c) Rote memorization

d) Discipline and punishment

Answer: b) Practical activities and problem-solving

Explanation: Pragmatism promotes learning through practical engagement.

Q47. Pragmatism advocates which method of teaching?

a) Lecture method

b) Learning by doing

c) Dictation

d) Catechism

Answer: b) Learning by doing

Explanation: Experience-based learning is the foundation of Pragmatist pedagogy.

Q48. Which method is most consistent with Pragmatist teaching?

a) Project method

b) Memory drill

c) Socratic questioning

d) Recitation method

Answer: a) Project method

Explanation: Developed by Kilpatrick, the project method aligns with Dewey’s Pragmatism.

Q49. Pragmatism encourages:

a) Passive listening

b) Imitation of the teacher

c) Problem-solving and experimentation

d) Obedience to authority

Answer: c) Problem-solving and experimentation

Explanation: Children must explore and experiment to learn effectively.

Q50. The pragmatic method is based on:

a) Trial and error

b) Fixed logical reasoning

c) Authority of scriptures

d) Eternal truths

Answer: a) Trial and error

Explanation: Truth emerges from practical testing through trial and error.

Q51. Pragmatism advocates discipline through:

a) Punishment

b) Self-experience and social participation

c) Authority of elders

d) Strict obedience

Answer: b) Self-experience and social participation

Explanation: Discipline arises naturally from participation in activities and social responsibility.

Q52. For Pragmatists, discipline is:

a) External control

b) Suppression of freedom

c) Self-control developed through activities

d) Based on fear of punishment

Answer: c) Self-control developed through activities

Explanation: True discipline emerges when learners accept responsibility for their actions.

Q53. According to Pragmatism, the teacher should act as:

a) A dictator

b) A guide and facilitator

c) A preacher

d) A strict disciplinarian

Answer: b) A guide and facilitator

Explanation: Teachers should guide students in their exploration and problem-solving.

Q54. Pragmatism emphasizes the teacher as:

a) Source of all knowledge

b) Companion in learning process

c) Religious authority

d) Strict examiner

Answer: b) Companion in learning process

Explanation: Teacher and learner work together in democratic cooperation.

Q55. For Pragmatism, knowledge is:

a) Absolute

b) Derived from scriptures

c) Dynamic and functional

d) Fixed and eternal

Answer: c) Dynamic and functional

Explanation: Knowledge changes with experience and is judged by its usefulness.

Q56. Pragmatism regards truth as:

a) Eternal reality

b) Divine revelation

c) What works in a given situation

d) Universal principle independent of human beings

Answer: c) What works in a given situation

Explanation: Truth is validated through practical consequences.

Q57. Pragmatism strongly supports education for:

a) Aristocracy

b) Religious authority

c) Democracy

d) Military service

Answer: c) Democracy

Explanation: Dewey linked Pragmatism to democratic living and social efficiency.

Q58. Which of the following is central to Pragmatist education?

a) Child’s free activity

b) Memorization

c) Religious sermons

d) Blind obedience

Answer: a) Child’s free activity

Explanation: Freedom of activity is vital in a democratic classroom.

Q59. Pragmatism differs from Idealism because it:

a) Believes in absolute truth

b) Emphasizes practical utility

c) Stresses metaphysical concepts

d) Ignores social utility

Answer: b) Emphasizes practical utility

Explanation: Unlike Idealism, Pragmatism focuses on practical, usable knowledge.

Q60. Pragmatism differs from Naturalism because:

a) It accepts trial-and-error learning

b) It focuses only on instinct

c) It emphasizes discipline through punishment

d) It believes in eternal laws of nature

Answer: a) It accepts trial-and-error learning

Explanation: Naturalism stresses instinct and nature, while Pragmatism values experimentation.

Q61. According to Dewey, schools should be:

a) Preparation for future life only

b) Miniature societies

c) Centers of religious teaching

d) Lecture halls

Answer: b) Miniature societies

Explanation: Schools must reflect democratic society and prepare children to live in it.

Q62. The motto of Pragmatism in education is:

a) “Learning by hearing”

b) “Learning by doing”

c) “Learning by memorization”

d) “Learning by dictation”

Answer: b) “Learning by doing”

Explanation: Practical experience is the key to Pragmatist education.

Q63. Who propagated the “Project Method” in Pragmatism?

a) Kilpatrick

b) Dewey

c) James

d) Spencer

Answer: a) Kilpatrick

Explanation: William H. Kilpatrick developed the project method based on Dewey’s philosophy.

Q64. Pragmatist education makes the child:

a) Passive recipient

b) Active participant

c) Memorizer of facts

d) Obedient follower

Answer: b) Active participant

Explanation: Pragmatism stresses activity, creativity, and participation.

Q65. Which type of knowledge is rejected by Pragmatists?

a) Practical knowledge

b) Absolute and fixed knowledge

c) Experimental knowledge

d) Functional knowledge

Answer: b) Absolute and fixed knowledge

Explanation: Knowledge must be open to change and testing in new situations.

Q66. Dewey’s laboratory school was founded in:

a) 1894 at University of Chicago

b) 1901 at Harvard University

c) 1920 at Columbia University

d) 1930 at London School of Economics

Answer: a) 1894 at University of Chicago

Explanation: Dewey’s lab school was a practical application of his Pragmatic principles.

Q67. Pragmatism views education as:

a) Preparation for next life

b) Reconstruction of experience

c) Attainment of divine truth

d) Obedience to social order

Answer: b) Reconstruction of experience

Explanation: Education reorganizes experience to prepare learners for future challenges.

Q68. In Pragmatism, values are considered:

a) Absolute

b) Relative and socially constructed

c) Fixed by religion

d) Irrelevant

Answer: b) Relative and socially constructed

Explanation: Values emerge from social needs and practical consequences.

Q69. According to Pragmatists, moral education should be given through:

a) Religious preaching

b) Punishment and rewards

c) Social participation and real-life situations

d) Memorization of moral codes

Answer: c) Social participation and real-life situations

Explanation: Morality arises from social responsibility and practice, not preaching.

Q70. Which statement best reflects Pragmatist philosophy?

a) “Education is life itself.”

b) “Education is preparation for the afterlife.”

c) “Education is the realization of absolute truth.”

d) “Education is memorization of facts.”

Answer: a) “Education is life itself.”

Explanation: Dewey famously declared that education is not preparation for life but life itself.

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